Why Choose A Local Travel Agency?

“My main concern is being able to verify the reliability of the service provider who will assist us in our process because this is indeed the real issue in Asia, which explains my skepticism”

We know from experience that using a local travel agency raises uncertainties, and these uncertainties are well-founded. Due to a past bad experience or the fear of relying on strangers 6000 kilometers away to ensure the quality of one’s trip (especially when it's the first time), we prefer to handle everything ourselves... at the risk of missing out on the trip of a lifetime! Yes, while a trip can be ruined by a bad choice, it can equally be grand when guided by a reliable local agency.

“Aside from the time saved, I truly believe I had access to places, moments, and emotions that wouldn't have been possible without a local agency or traditional guides.”

This article aims to question our role as a local tourism provider and to provide you with the key criteria for choosing the right travel agency, regardless of the destination. Of course, our comments are guided by a personal and proven approach to travel.

What is the role of a travel agency?

“Life is not what we have lived, but what we remember and how we remember it.”

1000 years of solitude, Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Before selling products, a travel agency has a duty: to consider the importance of its role with a client. Traveling is not a trivial activity. Rare, costly, and invigorating, the decision to travel is based on deep motivations that create high expectations. By subscribing to our services, a traveler is investing in a brief but intense period of their life – the depth of the experience sought, the enrichment expected... or unexpected.

Thus, it is consciously that a travel agency works to create an itinerary based on your deep motivations and ensures its smooth execution on the ground. More precisely, we believe that the result of our actions should allow you to travel with a clear and confident mind: to think of nothing else but to appreciate the present moment.

Our daily tasks:

• Save you a lot of time (the whole team)
• Create a program that balances your desires and the realities on the ground (travel advisor)

Example of a common mistake: Considering distances and transportation options is crucial for any trip to Vietnam. A poor understanding of the long, narrow terrain can have two effects: a "race against the clock" trip or a trip "away from the places of interest."

• Offer you experiences and sites you may not know about (Insolite travel advisor)
• Assist you in making decisions based on our knowledge of the terrain (Insolite travel advisor)

Example from real cases: "I absolutely want to visit Sapa. Madam, considering your state of mind and your strong taste for adventure, we recommend considering these other more authentic sites."

• Help with all administrative aspects such as visas, flight tickets (travel advisor)
• Book the services included in your program to avoid any unpleasant surprises (logistics agent)

Example from real cases: "I book a hotel on a globally known platform, and I arrive to find there’s no window in my room."

• Ensuring the smooth progress of your trip on-site (guide and travel advisor)

Why choose a local travel agency?

First, let's ask ourselves this question: How does a non-local travel agency work? A travel agency or tour operator based in France, Switzerland, or Belgium, offering international trips, operates on a B2B (business to business) model. This means that the agency partners with local travel agencies to carry out your trip in two main ways:

• The agency retains control over the creation of the itinerary and only outsources the logistics part.
• The agency outsources both the itinerary and logistics parts.

Note, we have no intention of disparaging this type of service; well-known agencies pay special attention to the selection of their partners. In fact, some organizations, like Evaneos, allow small players who do not have the means or marketing leverage to get noticed. It is important to highlight that you have likely gone through a local agency at some point. So, why not take the next step and go directly through your local actors?

(1/5) Better Value for Money

Based on the previous points, by eliminating an intermediary, you remove a margin on the final price. But that's not all. A local agency builds strong relationships with various service providers on-site, may offer exclusive services (e.g., our junks on Halong Bay), and has a perfect understanding of the local economy. In short, the price offered by local agencies should reflect the quality of service provided.

(2/5) Safety, Peace of Mind, Flexibility

We break down boundaries at every level. Throughout your journey, you are accompanied by a team native to the destination you are visiting. This gives you access to our deep knowledge of the area and, of course, our multilingual skills.

Encounter a problem? Sudden desire to visit something new? Need a medication? Lost your passport (hopefully not)? You can refer to our guide, who will contact us, and your situation will be resolved. You can also reach us directly—free Wi-Fi connections are abundant in Vietnam!

(3/5) The Assurance of an Authentic Journey

Without a doubt, working with a local travel agency is the best way to discover a destination "in its true form"—this is one of our core motivations. Many places, activities, cultural traits, and exceptional addresses don't appear in traditional guidebooks, which are often too reluctant to step off the beaten path. Some "must-see" attractions may not be must-sees for you.

France is not just about baguettes, even though they are unmatched.

Belgium is not just about fries, although we could easily have a second serving... maybe even a third...

Vietnam is not just about spring rolls, even though the average traveler consumes about a kilo of them.

(4/5) Tailor-Made Program Creation

The vast majority of local agencies offer bespoke services to distinguish themselves from generic packages. And what a difference it makes! Feel free to personalize an existing travel inspiration or start from scratch. Play a round of golf because you're passionate about it. Organize a memorable moment for one of your loved ones. In essence, there are as many itineraries as there are individuals on this earth.

On our side, every client pushes us out of our comfort zone, much to our delight!

(5/5) A Responsible and Respectful Approach to Others

Providing a bad experience in our home countries is inconceivable. The quality or lack of quality in our services undeniably affects the image of our country and its people. Far from "tourist circuit shows," we are committed to sharing a genuine piece of our life, from Hanoi to Cao Bang, with authenticity and depth rooted in the local connections we build and our deep respect for our traditions and the many expressions of our culture.

Finally, choosing a local agency also means participating in the local economy, from Hanoi to Cao Bang. Taxes, salaries, profits... Everything is redistributed fairly. By looking at the farthest regions of the country, the standard of living and the local conditions have improved significantly and continue to do so, thanks to local agencies dedicated to socially and economically enriching their ecosystem.

How to Choose a Local Travel Agency in Vietnam?

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(1/4) Legislative compliance

Each country has its own legislation. If we take Vietnam as an example, it's quite simple to think of a travel agency. Make sure that the agency you contact holds sa licence de tour Operator or the equivalent for other destinations. This is our legal link: the validity of our and your insurance, the application of the terms and conditions of sale, and the resolution of disputes...

(2/4) The mindset

Each travel agency infuses its working methods and the itineraries it offers with a distinct mindset. It's up to you to find the one that aligns best with your own. For example, we know that our services may not be suited to everyone's taste. The "Insolite" spirit means stepping off the beaten path, sometimes prioritizing the experience over comfort, and accepting the sacrifice of a "spectacular" must-see in exchange for a memorable encounter.

(3/4) Seniority and Experience

Make sure that your travel advisor offers experiences they have personally lived through, paths they have walked themselves. Once again, it's easy to claim the title of advisor or travel coach. However, a good program is not just lines written on a PDF, nor the result of personal statements based on a fleeting experience. Simply ask questions: Have you been there yourself? Do you know this city well? Wouldn’t it be better to visit this instead? How long ago did this travel inspiration originate?

(4/4) Sales Conditions and Supervision

Traveling with peace of mind also means ensuring that your tangible expectations are met. Grab your email or WhatsApp and ask the following questions:

• What insurance (repatriation/health) is included?
• What are the cancellation conditions in case of unforeseen circumstances?
• What services am I paying for? (To be noted in the program)
• What services will I benefit from on a day-to-day basis? (To be noted in the program)

Travel with peace of mind in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

Driven by the skepticism of a "not yet client," this article is first and foremost the result of a long "personal" reflection as a travel agency. A reminder: After 20 years, it is true that we no longer question it; it's part of who we are. Sharing this was a fascinating awakening exercise.

Finally, we hope these lines will assist you in your decisions and, of course, help you recognize the real added value that local travel agencies can offer: authenticity, attentive listening, and proven knowledge on the ground.

"We reached out to this travel agency last year to take one of the most beautiful trips of our lives with my husband and our two children. We didn't want to stress about organizing the trip; we just wanted to feel completely on vacation! The team was 100% attentive to our needs, they respected our budget, and were very personable! I wholeheartedly recommend this agency."